Who is Lucas Raymond?- By: Dustin Hannel

Photo Credit- Duane Burleson/ Associated Press

'Lucas Raymond' is the name that was made known to Hockeytown on that draft night in October 2020. Lafreniere, Byfield, and Stützle were the names called before him. A lot of Wings fans were surprised with Yzermans 4th overall draft pick, (not unlike last year's 6th --Seider) the highest pick the Red Wings have held in over 30 years. 1983 was the year Mike Illitch just purchased the team and assigned Jimmy Devellano as GM. The pick that day would come full circle to tonight's draft --Yzerman.

Lucas Raymond was a 5' 11" 170lb forward playing out of the SDHL. Like many Red Wings fans, I had to do my digging to find out more about him and his playing style. If we all recall, the 2020 draft was all about the big three: Lafreniere, Byfield, Stüzle, but very few talked about the ability of Raymond. Raymond plays the 200-foot game with a high hockey IQ, quick hands, and an absolutely unmatched passing ability. Unlike the three players drafted before him, Yzerman wanted his player to develop more in the SDHL before bringing him to the NHL. I would say that has paid off as Raymond has had a far better rookie season than his fellow top-5 picks (Byfield only has 6gp-- however since he played his draft year, I’m including him).

Raymond found his place cemented on the first line from the start of the season. He looks to have found a place between Larkin and Bertuzzi - both players on path to hit season high totals, Larkin on path to post 2017-2018 numbers. Raymond has not only made his name known in Hockeytown, he has solidified himself with some records, not only for the Wings but for European born players. He currently holds the record for most points by a European born teenager within their first 20 GP with 19 points. He surpassed the likes of Laine, Kopitar, and Pettersson on this list. Speaking of players, Steve Yzerman - we all know him - well it took him 34 games to score his first Hat Trick in his rookie season-- Raymond...6. Yzerman and Raymond are the only two teenagers to ever record Hatties in the Winged Wheel, Raymond also became the 3rd teenager to record at least 4 points in a game, the other two...Yzerman, Howe.

Raymond is definitely the Real Deal (my nickname for him), and he has an unlimited ceiling at this point. I've said it numerous times, he has gladly made me eat my hot take since the beginning of the season proving he belongs in the Winged Wheel. Can't wait to see how he progresses!

Calder Trophy?

“Let's get the puck outta here”

-Dustin Hannel- Wing Sauce/ Olde City Sports Network